Key information relevant to the recruitment process for the
overall study, such as dates of the recruitment period and locations

Between January 2009 to June 2009, 97 patients were screened and 84 subjects were randomized at 21 clinical sites; 11 in the United States and 10 in Canada. All sites were members of the Northeast ALS Consortium (NEALS) and/or the Canadian ALS Consortium (CALS).

Pre-Assignment Details

Significant events and approaches for the overall study
following participant enrollment, but prior to group assignment

All patients were required to be on a stable dose of riluzole for at least 30 days prior to screening. 13 subjects failed screening: 3 due to low lung function test results, 3 due to prohibited medications,3 due to study closure, 2 due to abnormal lab test results and 1 due to death unrelated to the study.

Reporting Groups

Description

Lithium + Riluzole

Subjects randomized to lithium + riluzole were required to be taking riluzole 50 milligrams (mg) twice per day at least 30 days prior to the screening visit and during the trial. Lithium carbonate and matching placebo were supplied in 150 mg capsules. Dosing started at 450 mg/day (1 capsule taken in the a.m. and 2 capsules taken in the p.m.), titrated to maintain plasma lithium levels of 0.4 - 0.8 milliequivalent per liter (mEq/L). The number of capsules taken per day was titrated individually for each patient based on blood testing to maintain plasma levels of lithium = 04. - 0.8 milliequivalent per liter (mEq/L).

Placebo + Riluzole

Participants randomized to placebo + riluzole were required to be taking riluzole 50 milligrams (mg) twice per day at least 30 days prior to the screening visit and during the trial. Matching placebo was supplied in 150 mg capsules. Dosing started at 450 mg/day (1 capsule in the a.m. and 2 capsules in the p.m). Paired sham dosage modifications were made for placebo subjects, i.e. all subjects randomized to placebo were 'paired' with a lithium subject and underwent identical dosage changes to maintain blinding.